Roadshow: Lane-splitter tells who gets kicked, who gets a peace sign

Q Do you mind me chiming in and addressing the comments of Dennis Vires, who last week criticized motorcyclists who split lanes and specifically mentioned me? Surely I get to respond.

Phil Alfonso

San Jose

A Round and round we dance, and today Phil gets another chance.

Q In addition to have taken a Bob Bondurant defensive driving class as a new 16-year-old California driver (my mom made me or else I couldn't drive), I have taken the CHP safety class a couple of times over the 25 years I've been riding motorcycles. No at-fault accidents, no tickets! Guess that makes me a statistical anomaly? Knock on wood.

But it also strongly suggests I know what I'm talking about.

(Bay Area News Group archives)

Phil Alfonso

A Keep talking.

Q Almost all bikers like lane-splitting. That equates to hundreds of thousands of riders. Dennis, when you say, "No one is in favor" of lane-splitting, that is your unsubstantiated opinion.

Lane-splitting often catches people by surprise. That is a problem! Anecdotal evidence exists from the saying, "Loud pipes save lives!" The loud noise surprises the hell out of many drivers. Why? Because drivers weren't paying enough attention before the motorcyclist got near them. Wouldn't lack of attention to the driver's external environment be included within the definition of poor driving skills?

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Drivers who do not pay enough attention are the primary reason lane-splitting is dangerous. Most bikers know this.

While splitting lanes, I often stare into the side mirrors to make eye contact with the driver. Often that takes too long because they're doing something other than paying attention to their driving. Think cellphone calls, putting on makeup, tuning the radio, talking with passengers, eating, etc.

In those circumstances, I often rev my engine a couple times while riding their bumper to wake them up and to get their attention, or increase my speed to get past them before they have a chance to react poorly and possibly injure me when they do wake up.

Phil Alfonso

A That's OK, but now Phil does something I cannot condone.

Q Sometimes, after passing them, I give them the single-finger salute to reinforce the fact they were surprised for a bad, bad reason.

Phil Alfonso

A Flipping the bird is a huge Roadshow no-no. It's only going to incite road rage.

But then ...

Q I've been known to kick a car's panel with my heavy boot when the driver intentionally attempted to squeeze me. My life is in the balance here, and I view that act, rare as it is, as similar to someone with bad intentions holding a loaded gun to my head.

Phil Alfonso

A Nooooo! This is way out of bounds. You need to cool it, Phil. No kicking.

Q If they move over and make room for me, I flash the two-fingered V peace sign thanking them for their courtesy.

Phil Alfonso

A Better, much better.

Q To motorists, please practice turning your head and looking around. Relying upon your mirrors, though somewhat useful and appreciated, is inadequate in the opinion of most professional driving teachers, the DMV and safety officials. It's one of the practices it takes to be a good driver.

Dennis, try riding a motorcycle on the freeway and then tell us about your experience. Put the shoe on the other foot. I'll bet the farm your story changes dramatically.

Phil Alfonso

A Whew! Why do I think this is the not final word on lane-splitting? I'll have more in a few days, including comments from a 70-year-old great-grandmother and lane-splitting supporter.